The Russian agricultural industry has always depended on a reliable supply of mineral fertilizers to maintain and boost crop yields, especially in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. In the first half of 2024, Russia’s fertilizer industry experienced an impressive 14.2% increase in production, according to Rosstat, reaching around 14.1 million tons of output. This growth highlights the industry’s resilience and its crucial role in supporting the agricultural sector during challenging times.
By mid-year, Russian agricultural enterprises had purchased more than 4.2 million tons of mineral fertilizers, accounting for nearly 80% of the sector’s annual need of 5.4 million tons. This early acquisition provides a buffer against potential supply disruptions and enables farmers to apply fertilizers at critical growth stages. The Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers (RAFP) has indicated that the most significant increase in demand during January-July 2024 came from NPK fertilizers, which saw a 10% rise in deliveries compared to the same period in 2023.
Moreover, purchases of liquid mineral fertilizers have also grown by 7%, reflecting a trend toward more specialized fertilizer types that offer efficiency and adaptability to different soil and climate conditions. These developments have helped offset the negative impact of extreme weather, such as abnormal frosts and heatwaves, which have plagued several regions this year. As stated by Andrey Guryev, president of the RAFP, “Timely application of high-tech mineral fertilizers has allowed us to overcome the lion’s share of the consequences of these anomalies.”
The positive trend in early fertilizer purchases is expected to continue, which will allow producers to maintain a flexible delivery schedule and enable logistics providers to better plan the distribution of these vital products. This coordinated effort between producers, farmers, and transporters ensures that mineral fertilizers will be available throughout the year, reducing the risk of shortages during the critical growth phases of various crops.
The 14.2% production increase in Russia’s mineral fertilizer industry in 2024 not only highlights the sector’s growth but also underscores its essential role in stabilizing agricultural productivity. Despite challenging weather conditions, early and proactive fertilizer purchases have enabled the agricultural sector to mitigate potential yield losses. As we move forward, maintaining this momentum will be crucial to ensuring food security and the continued success of Russian agriculture.
